A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

Summary

S.J. Res. 20 is a joint resolution introduced in the Senate on February 20, 2025, by Senator Bernie Sanders that seeks to prohibit a specific foreign military sale to Israel. The resolution targets the proposed sale of an additional 10,000 155mm ancillaries—including fuzes, primers, and charges—to be added to previously implemented cases, as described in Transmittal No. 24-16 submitted to Congress under section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2776(b)(1)) and published in the Congressional Record on February 10, 2025.

Under the Arms Export Control Act, the President may authorize certain foreign military sales, but Congress retains the authority to disapprove such sales through a joint resolution. If passed by both the House and Senate and signed by the President (or if Congress overrides a presidential veto), this resolution would block the sale of the specified munitions to Israel. The resolution does not propose a constitutional amendment; therefore, it follows the standard legislative path requiring presidential approval to take effect as law.

The 155mm ancillaries in question are components used with artillery shells, enabling the firing of 155mm howitzer rounds. These munitions are critical for sustained artillery operations, and their provision to Israel comes amid ongoing regional conflict, particularly Israel's military actions in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Proponents of the resolution argue that continuing to supply such munitions risks enabling violations of international humanitarian law and contributes to civilian harm in densely populated areas. Opponents contend that blocking the sale undermines Israel's right to self-defense, weakens a key U.S. ally in a volatile region, and could embolden adversaries like Iran and its proxies.

The resolution reflects broader congressional debate over the conditions under which the United States provides military aid to Israel, especially concerning the humanitarian impact of U.S.-made weapons in conflict zones. It also touches on the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches in foreign policy, particularly regarding arms transfers. If enacted, S.J. Res. 20 would represent a rare instance of Congress using its statutory authority to override an executive branch arms sale, signaling significant legislative dissatisfaction with the current U.S. policy toward Israel's military actions.

Ask This Bill

Ask a specific question about this bill’s actual text — answers cite the section they come from.

Your question

Ask

When does this take effect? Who does this affect? How is this enforced?

Read the full analysis on Congress.gov →

Where Each Party Stands

History